Hands carefully hanging a framed paint by numbers landscape artwork on a soft beige wall, showcasing a serene river, flowers, and sunset-lit mountains in a clean, modern living space.

How to Frame Your Paint by Numbers: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Article Summary: This expert guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for framing a finished paint by numbers canvas. It covers three primary methods: using a pre-stretched canvas, assembling a DIY stretcher bar frame, and mounting in a traditional picture frame. Written for beginners, the article details the importance of varnishing, offers pro tips for a clean finish, and positions framing as the final, rewarding step to creating a piece of art you'll be proud to display.

Congratulations on completing your masterpiece! That final brushstroke brings a profound sense of accomplishment. Now, we must give your artwork the presentation it deserves. Proper framing is the crucial final step that transforms your project from a delightful hobby into a piece of art ready for display. In this guide, I will walk you through three simple, effective methods to achieve a beautiful result.

The Essential First Step: Sealing Your Artwork

Before we consider frames, we must protect your work. Sealing your dried acrylic painting with a clear 'varnish' is an essential step that professionals never skip. It protects the surface from dust and UV light damage, which can cause colors to fade over time. More importantly, it deepens the colors, giving them a rich, professional lustre. A single, even coat is all you need to preserve your art for years to come. 

Hand applying a clear varnish with a flat brush to a finished paint by numbers canvas on a wooden table, showing a visible split between matte and glossy finishes. A small bottle of varnish sits nearby.

Option 1: The Easiest Method - The Pre-Stretched Canvas

The simplest path to a finished piece is to start with it. Many of our kits are available with a ready-to-hang option, where the canvas comes pre-stretched over an internal wooden frame. If you chose this option, your work is already done! You simply need a nail or picture hook to hang your art and admire your work.

Option 2: The DIY Stretcher Bar Frame (A Step-by-Step Guide)

If your kit came with a rolled canvas and four wooden bars, you have a DIY frame kit. This process, known as "stretching," is how artists have prepared canvases for centuries. Follow these steps methodically for a tight, professional result.

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Lay your finished painting face down on a clean, soft surface like a towel or blanket to protect the painted surface.
  2. Assemble the Frame: The four wooden stretcher bars have interlocking corners. Firmly press them together to form a perfect rectangle. Ensure the corners are square.
  3. Align the Frame: Place the assembled frame onto the back of the canvas. Centre it carefully so the painted image is perfectly aligned.
  4. Secure the First Side: Starting in the middle of one of the longer sides, fold the excess canvas over the back of the wooden bar and use the provided thumbtacks (or a staple gun) to secure it.
  5. Stretch and Secure the Opposite Side: Move to the opposite side of the frame. Gently but firmly pull the canvas taut, not so hard that it tears, but enough to remove any slack. Secure it in the middle.
  6. Repeat for Other Sides: Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the two shorter sides. You should now have a canvas that is tacked in the center of all four bars.
  7. Work Towards the Corners: Continue securing the canvas by adding tacks, working from the center of each bar outwards towards the corners. Alternate sides as you go to ensure even tension. Stop about two inches from each corner.
  8. Fold the Corners Neatly: This is the final touch. Fold the corners tightly and neatly, as if you were wrapping a gift, and secure them firmly with tacks. 
    Hands assembling a 40x50 cm wooden stretcher bar frame on a clean light wood surface, with two bars connected and a rolled-up paint by numbers canvas featuring a colorful landscape placed to the side.

Option 3: The Traditional Picture Frame

For a classic look, you can use a traditional picture frame. This is an excellent option for a canvas that has already been stretched or for a rolled canvas you want to mount.

  • Find the Right Size: Our standard canvas size is 40x50 cm, which is very close to a standard 16x20-inch frame. This size is widely available at craft and home decor stores.
  • Remove the Glass: It is essential to remove the glass or plexiglass from the frame. An acrylic painting needs to breathe and should not be pressed against glass, which can trap moisture and damage the artwork over time.
  • Mount and Secure: Place your canvas into the frame and use the frame's backing board and tabs to secure it tightly. 
    Hands gently placing a finished paint by numbers canvas into a classic wooden picture frame on a light wood surface, with the unused glass panel set aside to the right.

Essential Tools for Blending

While your kit has what you need to paint, a few items can make blending more effective and enjoyable.

  • A Sturdy Easel: For better posture and a more professional setup, consider an adjustable table easel.
  • Extra Brushes: Having a dedicated, clean brush just for blending is a game-changer. You can find high-quality options in our Accessories Collection.
  • Patience: The most important tool of all. Blending is a skill that improves with practice. Take your time and enjoy the process of watching your artwork transform.

Conclusion

Framing is the final act of creation that honors the time and care you invested in your artwork. By choosing the right display method, you transform your project into a cherished piece of decor. Congratulations again on completing your painting; now you can proudly find the perfect place for your next masterpiece to shine.

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